I guess i prefer performance / handling... vs noise

Using more of the rev range helps as it doesn't sit below/around 2k.

Like you say it's no bmw comfort/handling but there's this rawness in power which is very entertaining. Not hugely quick on climbing the numbers but the way it does it ie, kick up the backside when shifting from gear to gear is what's most enjoyable about the vrs

Many thanks for the welcome.

When I posted this thread I was a bit disappointed to say the least. But having taken on board some of the comments and put them into practice, I can see where this little car is coming from. The kick up the backside is certainly entertaining and is what this car is all about. I was expecting more of a lush ride (I'm over 55 with rattly fillings) but I think that can be addressed with a few tweaks maybe.

If I am to keep this car, I'm slightly concerned with all the posts some of you make regarding things going wrong. I was hoping for trouble-free motoring between services. Car has 125,000 and a new Turbo fitted at 50,000 miles. Well looked after with a good service history.

Is this car not as reliable as I thought or do things start going wrong at this kind of mileage? Presently out of work with not a lot of cash to wave about.

(Wife wanted a low miles Elegance but I just went out and bought a VRS. Hope it doesn't bite me on the bum. Ha. )

Edited 7 February, 201313 yr by 993kimbo

if you change your tyres to 205 - 50 - 16's it will alter the speedo as the wheels will spin slower as the same speed and also mine caught the rear arch liners on 205 - 50 - 16's when there was weight in the rear of the car

I find internet forums are full of problems!

People post when they have an issue.... How many people post saying how awesome the car is...

Things get blown out of context on car forum's! Its as reliable as any other car

I find internet forums are full of problems!

People post when they have an issue.... How many people post saying how awesome the car is...

Things get blown out of context on car forum's! Its as reliable as any other car

If it helps i think the fabia vrs is a great car .... the rides abit harsh and clutch abit heavy around town or in heavy traffic but on a roads at the weekend :D

if you change your tyres to 205 - 50 - 16's it will alter the speedo as the wheels will spin slower as the same speed and also mine caught the rear arch liners on 205 - 50 - 16's when there was weight in the rear of the car

The amount it alters the speedo out is negible - it over reads a bit less chance of speeding, as for touching the liners are you standard or lowered. I take mine camping with full car, roof box, trailer and bikes hanging off the tow bar on 50 profile tyres and I don't have any issues.

I find internet forums are full of problems!

People post when they have an issue.... How many people post saying how awesome the car is...

Things get blown out of context on car forum's! Its as reliable as any other car

As Big Jase said, people post when they have issues. There are a number of common problems but nothing major as long as its driven sensibly it will be a good value reliable car.

Probably jinxing myself here but, i'm sure I am not alone, I have had zero reliability problems with mine over 2 and a bit years ownership. As Jase said, people only usually post when there's a problem. Excellent all-round car

the wheels are bigger so the speedo under reads so there is more chance of speeding!

and mine is standard but on the nsr wheel arch liner there is a box that sticks out which caught the tyre wall

only thing is the wheels were montreal 2's ( same as pastyboys gold ones on the red fab) but they are same size off set etc ....

The Symphony Radio/CD. Mine sounds a bit pants.

Upgrade the unit or the speakers?

the wheels are bigger so the speedo under reads so there is more chance of speeding!

and mine is standard but on the nsr wheel arch liner there is a box that sticks out which caught the tyre wall

only thing is the wheels were montreal 2's ( same as pastyboys gold ones on the red fab) but they are same size off set etc ....

Sorry mate your right, I need to go back to school lol. Just thinking though I have spaces fitted front and rear which might explain why my tyres don't touch !

The Symphony Radio/CD. Mine sounds a bit pants.

Upgrade the unit or the speakers?

Standard speakers are OK, a change of head unit would be my first choice.

sorry to go off topic slightly but how do you find spacers? ive read it can cause wheel wobble on front wheels unless theyre perfectly ballenced? i have thought about it as some of the ones on here look pretty awsome with the wheels spaced ....

Edited 7 February, 201313 yr by Holmesie

As long as they are hub centric ones you will be OK, the thinnest ones which I could get were 12 mm, non hub centric which I did try did caused wheel wobble.

Many thanks for the welcome.

When I posted this thread I was a bit disappointed to say the least. But having taken on board some of the comments and put them into practice, I can see where this little car is coming from. The kick up the backside is certainly entertaining and is what this car is all about. I was expecting more of a lush ride (I'm over 55 with rattly fillings) but I think that can be addressed with a few tweaks maybe.

If I am to keep this car, I'm slightly concerned with all the posts some of you make regarding things going wrong. I was hoping for trouble-free motoring between services. Car has 125,000 and a new Turbo fitted at 50,000 miles. Well looked after with a good service history.

Is this car not as reliable as I thought or do things start going wrong at this kind of mileage? Presently out of work with not a lot of cash to wave about.

(Wife wanted a low miles Elegance but I just went out and bought a VRS. Hope it doesn't bite me on the bum. Ha. )

Really nice motor, I'm especially impressed with the quality of the seats...if you saw the state of mine you would know what I'm talking about!

Why on earth they decided on beige fabric is beyond me :no: . I just have to give mine a fleeting glance and they get dirty!!

Anyway, with regards to the things that could go wrong. In my experience whatever car you own it will always have a list of trouble spots that don't get picked up until the car is in full production and public use. That is why you have forums to help! So don't worry too much about that. If you do get things going a bit pear-shaped, then chances are there is a fix listed on this site somewhere.

With regards to engine reliability, again my experience tells me that VAGS are bullet-proof. I love my Mk1 vRS, sure there is loads that I still need to do to it. But every time I put my foot down and the torque pushes me back in my seat (mine is re-mapped to 180bhp)...I always end up with a smile on my face and a semi in my pants

Wishing you well in your vRS exploits!

Edited 7 February, 201313 yr by BruceWayne

hi there,

i'm running atm my vrs on 205/55/16 winter tyres, ride is alot better as the roads where i am from are rough as 10 bears, mileage is 129,000 miles now, i have changed some parts must be due to previous owners adventures, even though got winter tyres on mileage is nearly the same as standard 205/45/16 tyres. looking forward to taking car up to teeside this weekend see what mpg it will do, try and see if full plus expansion will get me there and back, love a challenge. overall very happy with economy and performance.

When I picked my 2007vRS in 2010 after trading in my 2004vRS my first impression of the "new" car was how much better the ride was that the crashy old one! Then I checked the tyre pressures - 27psi all round. Having put them back up to the recommended values it was exactly the same old dreadful ride I'd had for 6 years...

You get used to steering around all road imperfections including pot-holes!